dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē 

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: something that is dependent on something else

especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it

3

: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms of dependency

• dependence
• reliance

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil

a dependency on foreign oil

Recent Examples on the Web

The primary risk is operational dependency risk (ODR). —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

In the new survey, more than a third of psychologists whose patients use AI for therapy or companionship said these individuals had some level of dependency on the chatbots. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026

The alternative for the rest of the world cannot simply be a different form of dependency on a few centralized black boxes that decide when to provide or revoke access. —Aidan Gomez, Fortune, 17 June 2026

But apprehension about garden moms’ use can extend beyond dependency. —Sarah Levy, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dependency

• ascendancy
• ascendency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

Kids Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pend·​en·​cy

di-ˈpen-dən-sē

plural dependencies

1

: dependence sense 1

2

: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē 

plural dependencies

: dependence